CVM vet offers firework safety tips for pets
For many in the Golden Triangle and across the country, Independence Day celebrations mean fireworks. However, few pause to think about the effect firework sounds can have on pets.
Dr. Christine Bryan, an assistant clinical professor at the
Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine specializing in community veterinary services, urged people shooting fireworks to be mindful of pets. Bryan encouraged pet owners to ask people shooting fireworks nearby to stop if the noise becomes too unbearable.
“Probably one of the most important things you can do is making sure (pets) are in the house and being kept inside,” Bryan said. “If they are outside, they need to be kept on a leash so that they don't have the opportunity to run away if they hear the noises.”
She also recommended white noise sources, such as putting on a radio or calming sound, such as a running brook or chirping crickets. She said classical music had been proven to calm stressed dogs.
“If somebody wants to hold them, and they're more comfortable sitting on the couch, they can sit with their pet, but having a place where the animal is comfortable, but inside and as far away from the noise as possible is the key thing to start with,” Bryan said.
Bryan also recommended calming vests for some dogs, and said she used one for her own. However, she said not all dogs were comforted by the vests, with some even preferring to go through the noise without it. She also said any dog owner using a calming vest or thunder shirt needed to be mindful of the July heat.
“I'm cautious using them in the summertime, but some dogs do respond well to them,” Bryan said.
She said dog owners should also keep their doors locked, and said her brother's dog had once gotten out through the door trying to escape from fireworks noise and remained at large for 17 days. She also said dogs were capable of climbing fences.
“The best thing to do is just to keep them in the house and check on them regularly,” Bryan said.
Bryan also recommended cat owners bring their pets inside, and recommended those shooting fireworks be mindful of outsidecats. She said large animals, such as horses and cattle should be in their pastures with gates closed.
She urged owners not to attempt to medicate their pets with products meant for humans.
“They need to contact their veterinarian to make sure the medications are right,” Bryan said. “Nobody needs to be reaching into the medicine cabinet and pulling out their own anxiety medicine to give to animals. They absolutely should only use something that is prescribed by a veterinarian, and there are plenty of good drugs that are available.”
Bryan also emphasized the physical dangers pets might face from fireworks. She said owners should be aware of where their pets are so they don't come near any fireworks, and reiterated her earlier point about keeping pets inside or on a leash while fireworks are being discharged. She said fireworks have the potential to produce lifethreatening injuries to pets.
“The best thing to do is just keep them away,” Bryan said. “Everybody go enjoy it, but keep the dogs in the house away from that.”